For Sale: Buzz Aldrin’s Toothbrush, $9,000 OBO

How much would you pay for another man's toothbrush, if that toothbrush happened to have gone to the moon? The auction house estimates someone might throw as much as $24,000 at this unique opportunity to own a piece of space history.

If you think that's too much to pay for something that has been in Buzz Aldrin's mouth, you're probably not going to be interested in paying even more for something that's been in his ear. The opening bid on Aldrin's earpiece that he wore on the lunar surface is $12,500 and the estimate ranges up to $35,000.

Heritage Auctions has plenty of other weird space items for you to choose from in their space memorabilia auction that ends April 18. You can bid on space food including Apollo 17 brownies, Apollo astronaut Richard Gordon's comb, a chart used to land the lunar module on the surface, and Neil Armstrong's childhood toy plane. Here are some of our favorite items on the block.

Images and captions: Heritage Auctions

Above:

Buzz Aldrin's Toothbrush

Estimated value: $18,000 - $24,000

Description:Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Toothbrush and Sleeve Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, with Signed LOA. A light blue Lactona S-19 model "Tooth Tip" toothbrush, 6.5" long. Included also is the original 8" x 1.5" plastic pouch in which it flew with a piece of Velcro on the back for ease of storage. Used throughout the mission, including in the Lunar Module Eagle while on the moon. Copies of two pages from the Apollo Operations Handbook showing information on the contents of the Oral Hygiene Set are included. The very point of the rubber tip has broken off but is present in the case. Signs of use, otherwise very fine condition. From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

Included with this lot is a signed Letter of Authenticity on his personal letterhead stating, in full: "The toothbrush and plastic sleeve displayed below flew to the Moon during July 16 to 24, 1969 on the Apollo 11 mission. I was Lunar Module Pilot with Michael Collins as Command Module Pilot and Neil Armstrong as Commander of the mission. Neil and I made the first lunar landing of the Apollo Program on July 20, 1969. The toothbrush was part of the Oral Hygiene Set stored in Command Module Columbia prior to launch on July 16. The toothbrush was model S-19 made by Lactona. The blue velcro tab on the storage sleeve was my individual designator color for personal flight equipment. I used this toothbrush while in Columbia and then transferred it into Lunar Module Eagle prior to the lunar landing. It is one of only two toothbrushes taken to the lunar surface during the first Moon landing. I continued to use it during our journey home to Earth after leaving the Moon."

Neil Armstrong's Childhood Toy Plane

Estimated value: $1,500 - $2,500

Description:Neil Armstrong's Childhood Toy Airplane and Signed Photo of his Family Home at 601 W. Benton Street in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Of all the Neil Armstrong-related lots we've had the privilege to offer through the years, this one stands out as one of the most interesting and unique. Neil Armstrong's family moved to a house at the above address in 1944 and stayed there until 1964 when they sold the home to the Miller family. This family found some interesting items in the attic that the Armstrongs had left behind. This includes some of Neil's school work (see following lots) and this very cool red metal toy airplane. By testimony of Neil's mother Viola (see letter text below), it was one that Neil and his little brother Dean played with as a child. From a very young age, Neil had a fascination with airplanes that would influence his entire career and life. How appropriate that he played with them at a young age. Also in this amazing lot is a 7" x 5" B&W photo of his family home on Benton. The Miller's daughter Jacqueline, as a friend of his parents, got him to sign it during his Wapakoneta homecoming celebration (see letter text below). He has not only signed: "Neil Armstrong" but also has written the address of the house: "601 W. Benton". A very rare opportunity. Photo has a crease and toy is quite worn as expected from a child's well-loved toy.

Included with this lot are two handwritten Letters of Authenticity from Jacqueline (Miller) Knapke explaining the history of these two items. The first, in full: "In July 1964 my parents purchased the home on 601 W. Benton St., Wapakoneta, Ohio from Steve & Viola Armstrong. After moving in we found these items in the attic of the home. We also found a red wagon that belonged to Neil Armstrong but we donated it to the museums in Wapakoneta. Mrs. V. Armstrong verified at that time that the wagon and this airplane was Neil's and that he and his brother played with it. Jacqueline A. Knapke 1-31-13"

The second letter, in full: "The Akron Beacon Journal gave us a 5 x 7 photo of the Armstrong house they had taken. I knew Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong personally. After the Welcoming Home parade I took this 5 x7 photo to their home on Neil Armstrong Dr. to have Neil autograph it. There were TV trucks and security people everywhere along with yellow tape marking off their house. I walked up to a gentleman at the end of the sidewalk and showed him this photo of the house on 601 W. Benton St. and asked him if I could have Neil autograph it for me as he used to live in that home. He took the photo and pretty soon Mrs. Armstrong came to the door and said, "Jackie, come on in honey." I walked in the front door, on into the kitchen where Neil was standing and he started talking with me about the house. He then autographed it - Neil Armstrong 601 W. Benton. Jacqueline A. Knapke 1-31-13".

Also included is a copy of the warranty deed regarding the 1964 purchase of the home from the Armstrongs by the Millers.

Apollo 17 Lunar Module Armrest

Estimated value: $15,000 - $25,000

Description:Apollo 17 Lunar Module Flown Commander's Armrest Originally From the Personal Collection of Mission Commander Gene Cernan, Signed and Certified, with Signed LOA. This metal, right-side armrest has overall dimensions of 7.25" x 10.75" x 7" including brackets. There is a label on the top, "Pull Down Armrest to Release From Stowed Position", around which Cernan has certified and signed: "LM CDR Arm Rest - LM/ Flown as part of Apollo XVII Lunar Module Challenger Gene Cernan". This was the last of the six manned lunar landings. Commander Cernan, the last human to step foot on the moon, used this armrest inside the LM Challenger for more than three days while on the lunar surface. An interesting and unique relic from this important mission. Two photo prints of the LM simulator showing the positioning of this item in the lunar module as well as a NASA technical reference page regarding its design are included. Very fine condition with expected light wear and minor soiling. From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

Included with this lot is a signed Letter of Authenticity on Gene Cernan's letterhead stating, in part: "I hereby certify that the Apollo 17 Lunar Module Flown Commander's Armrest accompanying this letter was flown with me to the lunar surface aboard the Apollo 17 mission December 7-19, 1972... This was the last manned lunar landing to date and the mission where the most time was logged on the moon... I retrieved it prior to the jettisoning of the lunar module that was sent crashing into the moon. This armrest is from my personal collection and has been in my possession since the mission."

Apollo 17 Space Food: Brownies

Estimated value: $3,000 - $5,000

Description:Apollo 17 Flown "Brownies" Space Food Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Commander Gene Cernan with Signed Color Photo, with Signed COA. A sealed flexible pouch, 5" x 3" x 0.75" overall, with a label on one side: "BROWNIES/ [1]333" and a "Serial No. FAY967" sticker on the other as well as two pieces of blue (Ron Evans) Velcro for attachment to the spacecraft. These were made to be eaten as is. Included is an 8" x 10" silk finish NASA photo (AS17-163-24129) showing Cernan eating a package of space food during the Apollo 17 mission, signed: "Gene Cernan". Not common. About fine condition. From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

Included with this lot is a Cernan-signed Certificate of Authenticity from Novaspace stating, in full: "I certify that this packet of brownies is from my own collection of 'leftovers' that flew to the moon on Apollo 17. This space food has been stored in a museum and recently gathered and presented to Novaspace Galleries for dispersal to collectors of artifacts from the great 'space race' and the golden age of space exploration."

Apollo 12 Hair Comb

Estimated value: $2,000 - $3,000

Description:Apollo 12 Flown Aluminum Hair Comb Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Command Module Pilot Richard Gordon, with Signed COA. A 5" x 1" comb manufactured by Goody USA that flew to the moon on the second lunar landing mission with crewmembers Pete Conrad, Alan Bean, and Richard Gordon. This is only one of three Apollo-flown combs we know of in private hands (one of only two flown to the moon). A great opportunity, rarely offered. Excellent condition. From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

Included with this lot is a signed Certificate of Authenticity from Gordon stating, in full: "I hereby certify that this Aluminum Comb Was carried to the Moon on the Apollo 12 mission, was used by me and is from my personal collection."

Lunar Module Descent Chart

Estimated value: $30,000 - $40,000

Description:Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown LM Descent Navigational Chart Page Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, Signed and Certified, with Signed LOA. An 8.5" x 10.5" map printed on heavy photographic paper, showing an area around theMare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility) with the craters Maskelyne A and Censorinus labeled along with a grid and descent path. It is signed in the top corner: "Descent Chart/ Carried in 'Eagle' to the/ Lunar Surface/ Buzz Aldrin Apollo XI". Expected tape at top front and bottom verso where this was taped to the other charts in the descent sequence. Excellent condition. From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

Included with this lot is a signed Letter of Authenticity on his letterhead stating, in full: "This LM descent navigational chart was flown to the Moon's surface in Lunar Module Eagle during the flight of Apollo 11. It was used to verify our descent track while Neil Armstrong and I carried out the Power Descent Initiation (DPI) engine burn on July 20, 1969. The time period covered on this chart is from 40 seconds to 2 minutes and 20 seconds into the DPI burn. This chart was a critical navigational tool carried on the first lunar landing mission and spent over 22 hours on the lunar surface inside Eagle. It is an individual section of the full descent ground track that was taped together in the proper sequence and folded at the tape seams for easy stowage while inside the LM. I have written 'Descent Chart carried in 'Eagle' to the lunar surface' and signed my name with 'Apollo XI' in the upper right-hand corner of the chart. This chart has been in my private collection since our return from the Moon in July 1969."

Earpiece Worn by Buzz Aldrin During First Moonwalk

Estimated value: $25,000 - $35,000

Description:Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown and Surface-Used Earpiece and Ear Tube Assembly Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, with Signed LOA. A narrow tube of approximately 8" long with an earpiece on one end. This acoustic device was mounted in the headset assembly and used by Aldrin all during the historic mission. Items that were used on the surface of the moon are the pinnacles of space collecting with Apollo 11 being the ultimate. A rare opportunity. Excellent condition. From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

Included with this lot is a Letter of Authenticity signed by Aldrin stating, in full: "This is to certify that the enclosed earpiece and eartube assembly was operational equipment flown on the first lunar landing flight - Apollo 11. This device allowed me to hear communications transmitted from earth during the mission from July 16 to 24, 1969. It was used in all phases of the mission, launch through splashdown, including out on the lunar surface during the EVA of July 20-21, 1969. Page 55 of the Apollo Stowage List for Mission AS-506 CM 107/LM-5 describes the item. [page reproduced at bottom]"

Apollo 17 Custom Fender Guitar + Dinner With Astronaut

Estimated value: $25,000 - ??

Description:Custom Fender Stratocaster Guitar Signed by Twelve Astronauts, a Limited Edition Apollo 17 Omega Timepiece, and Dinner with Moonwalker Gene Cernan, all Benefiting the National Naval Aviation Museum. If you're a space and/or guitar collector looking for something that no other private collector has or will ever have, this is your lucky day. This incredible lot has been put together by the National Naval Aviation Museum and proceeds will benefit that important institution whose mission is to collect, preserve, and display historic artifacts relating to the history of naval aviation. There are three separate pieces to this offering, as follows:

Fender 2012 NASA Custom Stratocaster Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial Number US12305229, by Master Builder Chip Ellis. There were only two of these made; Ellis's father is a retired Navy captain and a member of the board at the museum. That proved to be a great connection in getting this custom Strat designed and built for the Salute to the Pioneers of Space held last December 14-15 at the museum. The two-day gala celebrated the fortieth anniversary of the Apollo 17 flight, the last to the moon. At the event, twelve attending astronauts signed two of these guitars; there are several photos available of the various space heroes as they signed. The arrangement was for one of the instruments to be ensconced permanently in the Fender Museum of Music and the Arts and the other (this one) was to be sold to raise funds for the Naval Aviation Museum. The gorgeous guitar is signed in gold on the body as follows (alphabetical): "Alan Bean/ Apollo 12", "Gene Cernan", "Michael Collins", "Walt Cunningham/ Apollo 7", "Charlie Duke/ Apollo 16", "Joe Engle/ Space Shuttle/ X-15", "John Glenn", "Richard Gordon", "Fred Haise/ Apollo 13", "James Lovell/ Apollo 13", "Dave Scott/ Apollo 15", and "Tom Stafford". The guitar is also signed and dated by Chip Ellis on the back of the headstock. Included is a deluxe Fender locking hard case (model TSA-002) with all the expected "case candy." What an item for display in your collection!

Omega Speedmaster "Apollo XVII" 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Chronograph. A limited edition of 1972 (for the date of the mission) with the striking mission insignia for the dial. It features a tachymeter and a small second hand at six o'clock. The steel case has a rhodium-plated finish and is 42mm in diameter; the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal has anti-reflective treatment on both sides. The movement is the Omega Caliber 1861, the same movement contained in the watches that were worn on the moon by the Apollo astronauts. A handsome watch for wearing or even just for display.

Dinner with Apollo 17 Commander Gene Cernan. The last man to walk on the lunar surface will have dinner with you at which time he will present your Apollo XVII watch to you. Transportation is the winning bidder's responsibility but who wouldn't want to sit and dine with a national hero, a man who flew in space three times, twice to the moon! Can you just imagine the stories he could relate?

Bid early and often (as they say) for this remarkable group. The proceeds will go to a great organization. From their website: "Naval Aviation transcends both time and space, from wood and fabric biplanes to the frontiers of outer space. The Museum captures Naval Aviation's heritage and brings its story of challenge, ingenuity and courage to you. The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world's largest Naval Aviation museum and one of the most-visited museums in the state of Florida. Share the excitement of Naval Aviation's rich history and see more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation. These historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft are displayed both inside the Museum's nearly 300,000 square feet of exhibit space and outside on its 37-acre grounds."

Apollo 17 Space Food: Toasted Bread Cubes

Estimated value: $2,500 - $3,500

Description:Apollo 17 Flown "Toasted Bread Cubes" Space Food Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Commander Gene Cernan, with Signed COA. A sealed flexible pouch, 4.75" x 3" x 0.75" overall, with a label on one side: "TOASTED BREAD CUBES/ 1333" and a "Serial No. FAY965" sticker on the other as well as a piece of blue (Ron Evans) Velcro for attachment to the spacecraft. Unlike the above peaches, these were made to be eaten as is. Seldom offered. Fine condition. From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

Included with this lot is a Cernan-signed Certificate of Authenticity from Novaspace stating, in full: "I certify that this packet of toasted bread cubes is from my own collection of 'leftovers' that flew to the moon on Apollo 17. This space food has been stored in a museum and recently gathered and presented to Novaspace Galleries for dispersal to collectors of artifacts from the great 'space race' and the golden age of space exploration."

Neil Armstrong Flight Suit

Estimated value: $6,000 - $8,000

Description:Neil Armstrong Early Orange Flight Suit, with Provenance Letter. A pair of flight coveralls tagged on the front "ARMSTRONG" and "VA-145" (a Naval attack squadron) from his days as a test pilot and Experimental Aircraft enthusiast. On the inside neck is the original tag, reading, in part: "Coveralls Flying Mens, Summer/ Specification MIL-C-539DF.../Size 44 Long". In the early 1960s, these were given by Armstrong to his close friend John Dyke, the developer of the famous Dyke Delta utility aircraft. Dyke then gave them to a friend of his who passed them down through his family. Rarely seen. Somewhat worn and soiled, but overall good condition.

Included with this lot is a signed and notarized Letter of Provenance from the current owner stating the history of this flight suit, in full: "To whom it may concern. I Nathan Hisle received the Neil Armstrong flight suit as a gift from my Grandfather Major Oscar Hisle. Major Oscar Hisle was a resident of Dayton, Ohio. In 1963 Major was building his first home built aircraft at his airplane hangar in Dayton Ohio. During this time Major's good friend, and president of the EAA club, John Dyke was building what later became the Dykes Delta the first aircraft of its kind in that era. In 1963 Neil Armstrong had yet to take his walk on the moon, but he was an experimental aircraft pilot. Neil Armstrong's Aviation background and John Dykes Delta aircraft brought these two men together for a long time friendship. Neil Armstrong gave this flight suit to John Dyke. John Dyke gave the flight suit to Major Hisle not knowing at the time that Neil Armstrong would become a "moon walker". Major Hisle kept the flight suit until 2004 when he passed it on to me (Nathan Hisle). I have had the flight suit until this point and now would like to pass it on to a collector who will appreciate it as much as I have."

Gemini 11 Orbital Chart

Estimated value: $1,200 - $1,800

Description:Gemini 11 Flown Orbital Track Display Chart Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Pilot Richard Gordon, Signed and Certified, with Signed COA. A 26" x 7.25" color lithographed earth map glued around a 13" x 7.75" mat board with a removable translucent plastic overlay showing pre-printed orbit tracks, designed to allow the overlay to rotate around the map allowing the crew to find their position during the flight. At the lower margin are printed the part and serial numbers: "CF55057-5 S/N S-1A". Gordon has signed on the chart: "Orbital track chart used on Gemini XI/ Richard Gordon". There are a few other handwritten notations. Shows wear from use, otherwise fine condition.From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

Included with this lot is a signed Certificate of Authenticity from Gordon stating, in full: "I hereby certify that this Flown Orbital Track Chart is from my personal collection and was flown aboard and used by me to navigate the Gemini GT-11 mission."

Apollo 17 Space Food: Peaches

Estimated value: $3,000 - $5,000

Description:Apollo 17 Flown "Peaches" Space Food Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Commander Gene Cernan, with Signed COA. A sealed flexible pouch, 6.5" x 6.5" x 0.75" overall, with a label on one side: "PEACHES/ 3 oz. cold water/ 15-20 minutes/ 1341" as well as a piece of Velcro for attachment to the spacecraft. The spoon bowl was a great step forward in the evolution of dining during spaceflight. First used on Apollo 10, it allowed water to be introduced through a valve, hydrating the enclosed food. The astronaut would knead the package to mix the water in (per instructions), and then open the top and eat with a standard spoon. This allowed chunks of meat and vegetables to be consumed instead of just pastes and powders. These are quite rare as most are held in institutions or private collections; don't miss this opportunity. Fine condition. From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

Included with this lot is a Cernan-signed Certificate of Authenticity from Novaspace stating, in full: "I certify that this packet of freeze-dried peaches is from my own collection of 'leftovers' that flew to the moon on Apollo 17. This space food has been stored in a museum and recently gathered and presented to Novaspace Galleries for dispersal to collectors of artifacts from the great 'space race' and the golden age of space exploration."

Buzz Aldrin's Spacewalk Flashlight from Gemini 12

Estimated value: $10,000 - $15,000

Description: Gemini 12 Flown EVA-Used Flashlight Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Pilot Buzz Aldrin, with Signed LOA and Signed Color Photo. A 5.5" long brass flashlight wrapped mostly in Velcro with a distorted lens, quite different than the ones used later on the Apollo missions. The distortion of the lens is attributed to the vacuum of space by Aldrin (see below). To the best of our knowledge, this is the only Gemini flashlight that has come to the auction market; it was first sold at Christie's in 1999. Top bulb area loose from handle, but all parts are present. Otherwise good condition. From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

An 8" x 10" color photo of Aldrin during a Gemini 12 EVA is included. It shows the flashlight attached to his spacesuit, signed: "Buzz Aldrin". Fine condition.

Included with this lot is a signed Letter of Authenticity on his letterhead stating, in full: "This is one of two EVA flashlights I used on the flight of Gemini XII. During my extravehicular activity (EVA) or spacewalk of 13 November 1966, I exited my cabin seat and moved by hand rails to the adapter section of the Gemini XII spacecraft. I later unstowed two flashlights and mounted them to adjacent hand bars. At the end of my scheduled activities in the adapter section, I removed each light and attached them to Velcro strips on the thigh areas of my space suit and conducted other tests during this EVA. This light was available again for use during a stand up EVA the next day of my flight. The flashlight lens became distorted while exposed to the vacuum of space."